Jamie Dupreehttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com
Jamie Dupree’s Washington InsiderMon, 21 Jan 2019 22:05:36 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/http://1.gravatar.com/blavatar/9629be48a58f73983bf746f38e1c75dd?s=96&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs0.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngJamie Dupreehttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com
“Unscheduled absences” during shutdown for airport screeners hit 10 percenthttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/21/unscheduled-absences-during-shutdown-for-airport-screeners-hit-10-percent/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/21/unscheduled-absences-during-shutdown-for-airport-screeners-hit-10-percent/#respondMon, 21 Jan 2019 17:03:19 -5Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:03:19 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18577With no end in sight to the partial government shutdown, and the possibility that 800,000 federal workers will miss another paycheck at the end of this week, the Trump Administration reported Monday that ‘unscheduled absences’ by TSA airport screeners hit 10 percent on Sunday, with that number jumping over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, as security screeners continue to work without pay because of a battle between the President and Democrats in Congress over funding for a border wall.

“TSA experienced a national rate of 10 percent of unscheduled absences compared to a 3.1 percent rate one year [More]]]>

With no end in sight to the partial government shutdown, and the possibility that 800,000 federal workers will miss another paycheck at the end of this week, the Trump Administration reported Monday that ‘unscheduled absences’ by TSA airport screeners hit 10 percent on Sunday, with that number jumping over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, as security screeners continue to work without pay because of a battle between the President and Democrats in Congress over funding for a border wall.

“TSA experienced a national rate of 10 percent of unscheduled absences compared to a 3.1 percent rate one year ago on the same weekday,” the Transportation Security Administration reported, again using the same language in a daily news release that “many employees are reporting that they are not able to report to work due to financial limitations.”

The number of absent screeners had held around 6 percent much of last week, but the TSA reported the number of screeners not showing up for work as planned hit 7 percent on Friday, 8 percent on Saturday, and then 10 percent on Sunday.

.@TSA says that 10 percent of its workforce had an "unscheduled absence" Sunday, compared to just 3.1 percent on the same day last year; that means more than 3,000 TSA agents called off #GovernmentShutdown

But on Saturday, excessive sick calls by TSA airport screeners forced officials at Baltimore-Washington International Airport to use emergency plans to deal with the lack of airport screeners, closing a major security checkpoint early at the airport.

That major checkpoint for Southwest Airlines flights wasn’t closed for just a few hours – but remained shut down on Sunday and Monday as well, because of a lack of security screeners.

“It is important to clarify that it is not unusual for TSA and BWI Marshall to open or close one of our security checkpoints,” the airport said in a written statement.

“This will have minimal, if any, impact on passengers and no impact on airport operations,” the BWI statement read.

.@TSA in collaboration with airport authorities & servicing airlines will be exercising a contingency plan at @BWI_Airport due to excessive callouts. Checkpoint A will be closing at 5:35pm. Passengers should arrive early for evening flights. Contact airport & airlines for updates

Earlier this month, press reports of airport screeners calling in sick because of the government shutdown – and the lack of pay for screeners – was denounced as ‘fake news’ by a top Department of Homeland Security spokesman, as well as the White House.

Like other federal workers, TSA screeners have been coming to work since the partial government shutdown started on December 22; they were paid as scheduled on December 29, but missed a check on January 11, and a second check may not be paid on January 25.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/21/unscheduled-absences-during-shutdown-for-airport-screeners-hit-10-percent/feed/0kimthorntoncmgTrump denies offering amnesty, hits Democrats over shutdown, border wallhttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/20/trump-denies-offering-amnesty-hits-democrats-over-shutdown-border-wall/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/20/trump-denies-offering-amnesty-hits-democrats-over-shutdown-border-wall/#respondSun, 20 Jan 2019 16:46:18 -5Sun, 20 Jan 2019 16:45:39 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18575A day after offering Democrats a compromise designed to break an almost month-long impasse over border security funding, which has idled hundreds of thousands of federal government workers as a result of a partial government shutdown, President Donald Trump on Sunday denied that his plans amounted to ‘amnesty’ for illegal immigrants, as he pressed Democrats to accept the deal.

“Amnesty is not a part of my offer,” the President wrote in one of a series of Sunday posts on Twitter about his Saturday afternoon speech, which basically offered temporary protection from deportation for about 1 million illegal immigrants, in exchange for [More]]]>

A day after offering Democrats a compromise designed to break an almost month-long impasse over border security funding, which has idled hundreds of thousands of federal government workers as a result of a partial government shutdown, President Donald Trump on Sunday denied that his plans amounted to ‘amnesty’ for illegal immigrants, as he pressed Democrats to accept the deal.

“Amnesty is not a part of my offer,” the President wrote in one of a series of Sunday posts on Twitter about his Saturday afternoon speech, which basically offered temporary protection from deportation for about 1 million illegal immigrants, in exchange for $5.7 billion in funding for a border wall.

Mr. Trump also sought to put pressure on Democrats – especially House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as the White House touted the support of Republicans in the Senate, who will try to advance the border plan later this week.

“Nancy Pelosi and some of the Democrats turned down my offer yesterday before I even got up to speak,” the President said.

No, Amnesty is not a part of my offer. It is a 3 year extension of DACA. Amnesty will be used only on a much bigger deal, whether on immigration or something else. Likewise there will be no big push to remove the 11,000,000 plus people who are here illegally-but be careful Nancy!

There were some conservative voices who gave the President’s plan a thumbs-down, not pleased with the move to shield around 700,000 DACA recipients, and another 300,000 people who had overstayed their temporary permission to be in the U.S. – but Republicans in the Senate tried to make it look like those voices were a minority of the GOP.

“All members of Congress should take this proposal seriously,” said Sen. David Perdue (R-GA).

“I will absolutely vote for this proposal,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).

The irony of the President’s immigration proposals weren’t lost on Democrats – as the Trump Administration has tried to end protections for DACA recipients, and targeted hundreds of thousands of others with “Temporary Protective Status” for deportation.

“The President cancelled DACA. He stopped TPS,” said Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI). “He got us into this mess.”

“Once again, Trump is trying to find leverage with problems that he created. No deal,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).

The president tried to end DACA in 2017.He slashed and ended TPS protections in 2018.In December, he shut down the government.

“Stop holding federal employees hostage and stop holding the young people in DACA hostage,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

As for the actual legislative details of the President’s plan, those still weren’t available on Sunday, but Politico reported that the plan may also include over $12 billion in hurricane and wildfire disaster relief, along with other spending provisions – all of that would need 60 votes to advance in the Senate.

The House and Senate are not in session on Monday, because of the federal holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This was originally a legislative break week for Congress, but now will be ground zero for the fight over the border wall and the partial shutdown.

If no final deal is reached this week, 800,000 federal workers would miss a second paycheck on Friday, January 25.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/20/trump-denies-offering-amnesty-hits-democrats-over-shutdown-border-wall/feed/0kimthorntoncmgTrump offers temporary immigration protections for wall moneyhttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/19/trump-offers-temporary-immigration-protections-for-wall-money/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/19/trump-offers-temporary-immigration-protections-for-wall-money/#respondSat, 19 Jan 2019 16:58:39 -5Sat, 19 Jan 2019 16:35:49 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18570With a partial government shutdown extending into a fifth week, President Donald Trump on Saturday offered a deal to Democrats on immigration, setting out a plan which provides $5.7 billion for border security measures which he wants – with some of that money going to build a border wall – in exchange for temporary protection for two different classes of immigrants in the United States, an exchange which was quickly labeled a non-starter by top Democrats in Congress.

“I am here today to break the logjam,” Mr. Trump said in his speech, as he said his new plan would be voted [More]]]>

With a partial government shutdown extending into a fifth week, President Donald Trump on Saturday offered a deal to Democrats on immigration, setting out a plan which provides $5.7 billion for border security measures which he wants – with some of that money going to build a border wall – in exchange for temporary protection for two different classes of immigrants in the United States, an exchange which was quickly labeled a non-starter by top Democrats in Congress.

“I am here today to break the logjam,” Mr. Trump said in his speech, as he said his new plan would be voted on next week in the U.S. Senate.

“This is a common sense compromise both parties should embrace,” the President added in his remarks from the White House.

“Everyone has made their point — now it’s time to make a law,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “I intend to move to this legislation this week.”

The President is also offering to extend protections for certain immigrants and refugees who have come to the U.S. under a “Temporary Protected Status” or TPS, and have remained in the United States longer than originally envisioned.

It was the first major offer made by the President since this impasse began before Christmas, as Mr. Trump had previously waved off efforts by some GOP lawmakers to add provisions dealing with DACA and other programs which helped illegal immigrants in the United States.

But his Saturday speech did little to sway Democratic leaders in Congress.

“It is unlikely that any one of these provisions alone would pass the House, and taken together, they are a non-starter,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she and other Democrats said the immigration offers were temporary, while the wall was permanent.

“Unfortunately, the president doesn’t understand that an honest negotiation can’t take place while he’s holding the government hostage,” said Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA).

“You don’t negotiate a compromise with your own Vice President and your son in law,” said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), as Democrats noted there have been no direct talks in almost two weeks. “That’s not how this works.”

“No genuine path to citizenship for dreamers, more intransigent insistence on an ineffective, impractical wall—nothing new from Trump today,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

Republicans said the Democrats should accept the President’s offer, as both sides pointed the shutdown finger of blame at each other on the 29th day of the border security impasse, which began back before Christmas, when Republicans controlled both the House and Senate.

“The President has made a very reasonable offer to extend DACA and TPS protections in exchange for the border security measures he supports,” said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).

“Democrats have yet to make a single legitimate counteroffer throughout the last month the government has been shut down,” said Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA).

“This is an important step in the right direction to restart negotiations,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who has broken repeatedly with GOP leaders and the White House to vote for Democratic plans to re-open the government.

Mr. Trump’s plan also includes:

+ $800 million in humanitarian aid to deal with an influx of illegal immigrants
+ $805 million for drug detection efforts at major ports of entry
+ 2,750 new border agents and other law enforcement personnel
+ 75 new legal teams of immigration judges

The President said the three year temporary legal status would help about 700,000 Dreamers, while the extended TPS status would help about 300,000 others.

But the plan also ran into opposition from some voices on the conservative right as well.

100 miles of border wall in exchange for amnestying millions of illegals. So if we grant citizenship to a BILLION foreigners, maybe we can finally get a full border wall.

http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/19/trump-offers-temporary-immigration-protections-for-wall-money/feed/0kimthorntoncmgTrump sets ‘major announcement’ Saturday on border wall fighthttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/18/trump-sets-major-announcement-saturday-on-border-wall-fight/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/18/trump-sets-major-announcement-saturday-on-border-wall-fight/#respondFri, 18 Jan 2019 19:20:04 -5Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:53:38 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18568After yet another day which featured no hints of progress in ending a funding fight that has to a partial government shutdown taking paychecks away from over 800,000 federal workers, President Donald Trump tweeted on Friday evening that he would make a ‘major announcement’ on Saturday about his push to get money to build a wall along the Mexican border, which has led to an ongoing standoff with Democrats in Congress.

“I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown,” the President wrote on Twitter, giving no details about what he might [More]]]>

After yet another day which featured no hints of progress in ending a funding fight that has to a partial government shutdown taking paychecks away from over 800,000 federal workers, President Donald Trump tweeted on Friday evening that he would make a ‘major announcement’ on Saturday about his push to get money to build a wall along the Mexican border, which has led to an ongoing standoff with Democrats in Congress.

“I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown,” the President wrote on Twitter, giving no details about what he might announce.

With no indications that Democrats in Congress are ready to give in on their opposition to a border wall, some Republicans have continued to urge the President to declare a ‘national emergency’ under existing laws, and move money around in the military’s budget to build a wall.

I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the @WhiteHouse.

Two seniors sources tell me @realDonaldTrump will not announce national emergency in Saturday address; will outline what WH believes could be path to end #govermentshutdown No details on proposal; unclear if discussed w/top Dems. 1-2

“He ought to go ahead and declare an emergency, and it would be over,” said Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK). “I don’t know why he is reluctant to do that.”

Inhofe – who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee – said Thursday that he would not oppose the President dipping into military construction funds to build the wall, though other Republicans have publicly opposed the idea.

Democrats on Friday also pressed the Department of Homeland Security on another front – using eminent domain to take land away from landowners, in order to build the way – focusing on a case involving the Catholic Church in Texas, which owns land that the Trump Administration wants.

The President has asked for $5.7 billion in border security money for both fencing and a wall; Democrats in Congress have offered $1.6 billion – the original requests of the Trump Administration and Republicans – but Democrats want none of that to go to the wall.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/18/trump-sets-major-announcement-saturday-on-border-wall-fight/feed/0kimthorntoncmgShutdown stalemate continues as lawmakers bemoan ‘wasted week’http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/18/shutdown-stalemate-continues-as-lawmakers-bemoan-wasted-week/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/18/shutdown-stalemate-continues-as-lawmakers-bemoan-wasted-week/#respondFri, 18 Jan 2019 09:58:00 -5Fri, 18 Jan 2019 07:44:34 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18566Lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate went home for a federal holiday weekend with no hints of any deal in a continuing dispute over President Donald Trump’s demand for money to build his border wall, as Democrats in the House vowed more votes on bills to end a funding lapse which started before Christmas, while Senate Republicans continued to refuse to hold any votes before there’s a deal on border funding with the President.

“I feel like this has been a wasted week,” said Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), a key Senate ally of President Trump, who like other lawmakers saw [More]]]>

Lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate went home for a federal holiday weekend with no hints of any deal in a continuing dispute over President Donald Trump’s demand for money to build his border wall, as Democrats in the House vowed more votes on bills to end a funding lapse which started before Christmas, while Senate Republicans continued to refuse to hold any votes before there’s a deal on border funding with the President.

“I feel like this has been a wasted week,” said Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), a key Senate ally of President Trump, who like other lawmakers saw no evidence that a deal was near, four weeks into the shutdown.

“I don’t feel like there’s been much progress at all,” Perdue added.

Democrats certainly endorsed that assessment – while pointing the finger of blame directly at Senate Republicans, criticizing the GOP for not allowing votes on any of the eight funding bills approved by the House to re-open shuttered agencies, send hundreds of thousands of employees back to work, and ensure they will be paid as well.

“We are talking about millions of people’s paychecks being held hostage for a border wall that the American public doesn’t support,” said Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM).

Day 27: I just directly requested passage of a bill to reopen the government. Senator McConnell refused.

Impossible to overstate exactly how ridiculous and offensive — not to mention unnecessary — this continuing shutdown is.

“If we are going to pay them (federal workers) anyway — if the Federal Treasury is going to write that check — wouldn’t it be better if they are in their offices answering phones, processing food stamp applications, and serving their fellow Americans than locked out of their offices?” asked Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Kaine vowed to force the Senate to be in session on Saturday to drive home Democratic Party arguments about the need to end the shutdown – and to reinforce how Republicans have not allowed any votes yet in 2019 on bills to fund the government.

“I don’t understand how this chamber can stand by and watch the devastating effects of this shutdown on our nation,” said Udall on the Senate floor, as he joined Kaine in urging Republicans to allow votes to re-open the National Park Service and other agencies.

Kaine on Thursday forced the Senate Majority Leader to object to a procedural effort to debate and vote on funding for the government; a few hours later, McConnell met for close to an hour at the Capitol with Vice President Mike Pence, and the President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

McConnell told reporters afterwards there was no deal to announce.

House Democrats planned several more votes next week on bills to fund the government, as they scrapped a planned break because of the shutdown.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers haven’t been paid yet in 2019 and some are taking on second jobs to make ends meet.

With a federal holiday on Monday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it wasn’t hard to imagine the shutdown continuing through most – if not all – of next week, and that could mean a second missed paycheck for federal workers, most of whom are scheduled to be paid on January 25.

The first missed check was a week ago on January 11.

Some Republicans again suggested the way out was for President Trump to declare a national emergency, and try to move money around in the federal budget to support a border wall.

“I have no idea how long it’s going to go,” Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) said of the shutdown, arguing the national emergency declaration might be the best move for everyone.

“To me, he could use an emergency, and it would be over,” Inhofe said.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/18/shutdown-stalemate-continues-as-lawmakers-bemoan-wasted-week/feed/0kimthorntoncmgIn escalating shutdown fight, Trump cancels plane for Pelosi overseas triphttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/17/in-escalating-shutdown-fight-trump-cancels-pelosi-overseas-trip/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/17/in-escalating-shutdown-fight-trump-cancels-pelosi-overseas-trip/#respondThu, 17 Jan 2019 15:37:21 -5Thu, 17 Jan 2019 14:31:20 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18557A day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that President Donald Trump delay his State of the Union Address because of unresolved issues surrounding a partial government shutdown, the President retaliated by scrapping plans by the Speaker to use a military jet to take a group of lawmakers on an overseas trip to NATO Headquarters in Belgium, and then to see U.S. troops Afghanistan, as Mr. Trump said it would be better for Pelosi to stay in the U.S. and negotiate a deal on a border wall.

“In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure [More]]]>

A day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that President Donald Trump delay his State of the Union Address because of unresolved issues surrounding a partial government shutdown, the President retaliated by scrapping plans by the Speaker to use a military jet to take a group of lawmakers on an overseas trip to NATO Headquarters in Belgium, and then to see U.S. troops Afghanistan, as Mr. Trump said it would be better for Pelosi to stay in the U.S. and negotiate a deal on a border wall.

“Obviously, if you would like to make your journey by flying commercial, that would certainly be your prerogative,” the President added, as he took the unprecedented step of pulling military travel support for what are known as “CODEL’s” – bipartisan Congressional Delegation trips around the globe, often to visit U.S. soldiers and diplomats.

A day after she all but disinvited him from delivering the State of the Union address, Trump tells Pelosi he is canceling her trip to Belgium, Egypt and Afghanistan, citing the shutdown. The executive branch traditionally provides military transport for congressional trips.

Earlier in the day, the Speaker had told reporters she had not yet received a response from the White House to her suggestion of a postponement of the State of the Union.

“I’m not denying him a platform at all,” Pelosi told reporters at her weekly news conference. “I’m saying let’s get a date when the government is open.”

During her time as Speaker and House Democratic Leader, Pelosi has been well known for her extended travels around the globe, as the military provides the support and security for such lawmaker travel.

The details of Pelosi's planned travel to Brussels, Egypt and Afghanistan — particularly those destinations — had not been previously announced. Earlier today her aides asked news organizations not to report that the trip would take place, citing national security.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/17/in-escalating-shutdown-fight-trump-cancels-pelosi-overseas-trip/feed/0kimthorntoncmgGROUNDHOG DAY: House votes again to end shutdown, while Senate waitshttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/17/groundhog-day-house-votes-again-to-end-shutdown-while-senate-waits/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/17/groundhog-day-house-votes-again-to-end-shutdown-while-senate-waits/#respondThu, 17 Jan 2019 13:58:44 -5Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:57:16 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18555For the eighth time in two weeks, Congress on Thursday went through a familiar round of arguments as the House approved a bill to re-open federal agencies which lost funding before Christmas, with Democrats demanding that Senate Republicans consider those measures to end a partial government shutdown, while GOP Senators said they would not act until there was an agreement on funding for the border wall backed by President Donald Trump.

“What a stupid way to run a business,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, as Democrats accused Senate Republicans of abdicating their constitutional responsibilities.

For the eighth time in two weeks, Congress on Thursday went through a familiar round of arguments as the House approved a bill to re-open federal agencies which lost funding before Christmas, with Democrats demanding that Senate Republicans consider those measures to end a partial government shutdown, while GOP Senators said they would not act until there was an agreement on funding for the border wall backed by President Donald Trump.

“What a stupid way to run a business,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, as Democrats accused Senate Republicans of abdicating their constitutional responsibilities.

“The House of Representatives is in a perpetual cycle of Groundhog Day,” said Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), as Republicans again said until Democrats give wall funding to the President, there is no reason for any votes on bills to end the partial government shutdown.

“This is all just theater, this is all just political theater,” said Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), as Republicans remained steadfast in saying they would not vote to re-open the government until the President had his wall money, while Democrats said they would not negotiate on border security funding until the government was open again.

Democrats continued to partly blame Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the impasse, imploring him to allow the House-passed government funding bills to be considered on the Senate floor.

Again and again the @HouseDemocrats have put forward bills to reopen the gov only to have the Senate GOP block them because they would rather back Trump than let workers receive the pay that they’ve earned. This level of obstruction is absurd. Stop choosing politics over people. https://t.co/Rfw3j9RCWb

Off the floors of the House and Senate, there were no indications in the hallways of the Capitol of any developing negotiations between Democrats and the White House, as after 27 days of a partial shutdown, it was obvious that the standoff would go into the weekend, and into next week.

“Almost everybody wants to secure the border, almost everybody wants to open up government,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). “What can’t it happen?”

Democrats said the reason was in the Senate, where after two weeks of the 116th Congress, no funding bills had yet been brought to the floor, even as over 800,000 federal workers missed one paycheck last week, and were in danger of missing another on January 25.

“The people want the wall, the people want border security,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), as there was no evidence that GOP lawmakers were going to break from the President, leaving the stalemate in place, with federal workers around the country – some working, some not – waiting to be paid.

“I’m not for a wall,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, as Democrats showed no evidence of any split, either. “I’m concerned about workers not having any paychecks.”

The President and Republicans are asking for $5.7 billion for border security—just one-tenth of 1% of the federal budget.

“A wall has to be built,” the President said in a speech at the Pentagon.

The latest vote in the House Thursday on a temporary funding bill was disputed by Republicans, who claimed they asked for a final recorded vote – though the video did not show any such GOP request; Democrats allowed for a re-vote next week in the House, as Majority Leader Hoyer said there will also be several other votes on measures to fund the government.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/17/groundhog-day-house-votes-again-to-end-shutdown-while-senate-waits/feed/0kimthorntoncmgTSA: “Financial limitations” causing airport screeners not to show up for workhttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/16/tsa-financial-limitations-causing-airport-screeners-not-to-show-up-for-work/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/16/tsa-financial-limitations-causing-airport-screeners-not-to-show-up-for-work/#respondWed, 16 Jan 2019 13:59:18 -5Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:59:18 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18552After previously denouncing press reports of higher than normal absences of airport security personnel during a partial government shutdown as “fake news,” the Transportation Security Administration said on Wednesday that more of its employees are not showing up for work because of money issues caused by a missed paycheck last week, as the shutdown entered a 26th day with no resolution in sight.

In a news release, the TSA stated that “many employees are reporting that they are not able to report to work due to financial limitations,” as the agency said its absentee rate was up from the same day [More]]]>

After previously denouncing press reports of higher than normal absences of airport security personnel during a partial government shutdown as “fake news,” the Transportation Security Administration said on Wednesday that more of its employees are not showing up for work because of money issues caused by a missed paycheck last week, as the shutdown entered a 26th day with no resolution in sight.

In a news release, the TSA stated that “many employees are reporting that they are not able to report to work due to financial limitations,” as the agency said its absentee rate was up from the same day a year ago.

On Monday, the TSA reported 6.8 percent of unscheduled absences, compared to 2.5 percent on the same day a year earlier. On Tuesday, the unscheduled absence rate was 6.1 percent, compared to 3.7 percent on that date in 2018.

The TSA did not provide any details on what airports might be experiencing the highest absentee rates for screeners, citing security concerns.

“Aviation security remains an essential priority, and TSA does not want to create any perception that an adversary could use specific information to determine possible vulnerabilities,” the agency noted.

But since then, multiple examples have surfaced at airports in Miami, Houston, and other cities, where checkpoints – or entire terminals – have been shuttered, because of a lack of security screeners.

If there is one group of workers impacted by the shutdown which members of Congress come into contact with the most – it would be TSA screeners at airport – as Democrats have repeatedly invoked stories of financial hardship involving furloughed federal workers.

These are the faces of everyday families who are hurting as a result of the President’s shutdown. The photo I’m holding is of Becky Esquivel and her family. Becky works for TSA. I met with her and other federal workers last week to hear their stories. pic.twitter.com/yy1ZtN9uEM

The admission of “financial limitations” on workers not being employed came as the Trump Administration announced more federal employees are being called back to work – even though they can’t be paid until the Congress and the President solve the shutdown impasse, which started December 22 in a dispute over money for the President’s border wall.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Wednesday that Farm Service Agency workers would be brought back to their jobs for three days this month – all to help deal with a backlog of requests by farmers for financial aid, loans and other needs.

Also, thousands of workers at the Internal Revenue Service are being brought back to their jobs, to insure that the tax filing season begins on time, at the end of January.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/16/tsa-financial-limitations-causing-airport-screeners-not-to-show-up-for-work/feed/0kimthorntoncmgPelosi suggests delay for Trump State of the Union due to shutdownhttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/16/pelosi-suggests-delay-for-trump-state-of-the-union-due-to-shutdown/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/16/pelosi-suggests-delay-for-trump-state-of-the-union-due-to-shutdown/#respondWed, 16 Jan 2019 12:51:41 -5Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:41:07 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18546With a partial government shutdown showing no signs of being resolved, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday basically ‘disinvited’ President Donald Trump from a scheduled January 29 State of the Union Address, saying that the Secret Service and Homeland Security Department should not be tasked with such a major event while they are in a shutdown status.

With a partial government shutdown showing no signs of being resolved, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday basically ‘disinvited’ President Donald Trump from a scheduled January 29 State of the Union Address, saying that the Secret Service and Homeland Security Department should not be tasked with such a major event while they are in a shutdown status.

There was no immediate reaction from the White House or the President.

The President gives the State of the Union at the invitation of the Congress, as the House and Senate must agree to use the House chamber for such an event.

The reaction in Congress split down party lines.

“It is very ironic that Democrats reference security concerns in their latest grandstanding tactic, delaying the State of the Union, but will not address the security concerns that are creating a humanitarian crisis at the border,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN).

“We know the state of our union,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), as Democrats said there should be no speech from the President while the partial shutdown continues.

In an interview with NBC News, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the President had been “disinvited” by Pelosi.

I applaud @SpeakerPelosi's decision to postpone the State of the Union address during a time of turmoil and uncertainty for workers across the nation. Our main focus must be on ending this manufactured crisis and reopening the government.

“This is the shutdown that one man – President Donald Trump – gave us,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD).

Even among Republicans there was some public grumbling about the standoff.

“I know for sure right now, we’re going nowhere,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), who for a second day went to the Senate floor to chide all sides, all but pleading with his colleagues to step forward with ideas to end the shutdown.

“Shutting down is a losing proposition all the way around,” said Isakson, who has joined with a handful of other GOP Senators in arguing against shutdowns, no matter the issue.

Meanwhile, House Democrats were pushing on Wednesday afternoon toward yet another vote on a measure to fund the agencies and departments of the federal government which have been denied funding since before Christmas.

This time, the funding – which would extend through February 8 – was to be tucked into a broader disaster relief bill, to funnel aid to victims of Hurricane Michael, as well as wildfires in California.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/16/pelosi-suggests-delay-for-trump-state-of-the-union-due-to-shutdown/feed/0kimthorntoncmgJudge blocks Trump bid for citizenship question on 2020 censushttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/judge-blocks-trump-bid-for-citizenship-question-on-2020-census/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/judge-blocks-trump-bid-for-citizenship-question-on-2020-census/#respondTue, 15 Jan 2019 15:45:07 -5Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:30:40 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18542In a legal defeat for the Trump Administration, a federal judge in New York ruled on Tuesday that efforts by the Commerce Department to add a question on U.S. citizenship to the 2020 census was ‘unlawful for a multitude of independent reasons’ – not because of the substance of the question – but for how officials circumvented normal procedures to approve the query.

In a legal defeat for the Trump Administration, a federal judge in New York ruled on Tuesday that efforts by the Commerce Department to add a question on U.S. citizenship to the 2020 census was ‘unlawful for a multitude of independent reasons’ – not because of the substance of the question – but for how officials circumvented normal procedures to approve the query.

“Secretary Ross acted without observing procedures required by law, including a statute requiring that he notify Congress of the subjects planned for any census at least three years in advance,” Furman wrote in his ruling, describing Ross’s actions as ‘egregious,’ and some of his explanations as ‘materially inaccurate.’

Judge Furman finds that Secretary of Commerce Ross lied to Congress about why the Trump Administration added a citizenship question to the census. pic.twitter.com/7ekMD7PMYN

“The Court’s Opinion is, to put it mildly, long,” the judge acknowledged. “But that is for good reasons,” as he ruled that Secretary Ross violated and ignored a series of laws which govern changes to the census questionnaire.

“He failed to consider several important aspects of the problem; alternately ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence in the record before him; acted irrationally both in light of that evidence and his own stated decisional criteria; and failed to justify significant departures from past policies and practices — a veritable smorgasbord of classic, clear-cut APA violations,” the judge wrote.

Ross has so far avoided a court-ordered deposition about his decisions; Democrats in the House have indicated they would still like to question Ross about how the citizenship question was dealt with.

“Putting a citizenship question on the census is a cynical and sinister attempt to suppress participation and undercount immigrants short changing fair apportionment of resources and political representation,” said Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The issue of counting everyone – illegal immigrants included – is a sensitive political matter, because the census determines not only the apportionment of Congress, but also the level of aid which can come from the federal government for a variety of federal programs.

A federal court blocks @RealDonaldTrump’s administration from adding a citizenship question on the #2020Census! As a member of Congress who has led the charge against the question, I applaud this ruling. It’s the right decision and will help ensure a more accurate census count.

“It is important to conduct a census which is comprehensive and accurate,” said Rep. Albio Sires (D-NY).

“This citizenship question brings together @realDonaldTrump’s anti-immigrant agenda and his attempts to undermine representative democracy and has no business in the #2020Census,” tweeted Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/judge-blocks-trump-bid-for-citizenship-question-on-2020-census/feed/0kimthorntoncmgBarr: Mueller not involved in ‘witch hunt’ over Russia probehttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/barr-mueller-not-involved-in-witch-hunt-over-russia-probe/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/barr-mueller-not-involved-in-witch-hunt-over-russia-probe/#respondTue, 15 Jan 2019 11:48:14 -5Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:55:54 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18539Confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday for President Trump’s choice for the post of U.S. Attorney General became quickly consumed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of the investigation into Russian interference, as nominee William Barr broke with a prime accusation of the President about the Mueller investigation.

“I don’t believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt,” Barr said, who was pressed immediately by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to investigate what Republicans say was wrongdoing within the FBI and Justice Department with regards to President Trump.

Barr’s statement was notable – since President Trump has repeatedly [More]]]>

Confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday for President Trump’s choice for the post of U.S. Attorney General became quickly consumed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of the investigation into Russian interference, as nominee William Barr broke with a prime accusation of the President about the Mueller investigation.

“I don’t believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt,” Barr said, who was pressed immediately by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to investigate what Republicans say was wrongdoing within the FBI and Justice Department with regards to President Trump.

Barr’s statement was notable – since President Trump has repeatedly accused Mueller of being engaged in a ‘witch hunt’ concerning charges of Russian interference, and possible ties to the Trump campaign in the 2016 elections.

“I’ve known Bob Mueller for thirty years,” Barr said, recalling their work when Barr first served as Attorney General under President George H.W. Bush. “We’ve been friends since.”

Attorney General Nominee William Barr: "I believe it is vitally important that the Special Counsel be allowed to complete his investigation."

Asked about the decision of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from the Russia investigation, Barr said Sessions made the right decision to stay out of the Mueller probe – a decision which angered the President.

Barr was asked repeatedly about a memo that he wrote to the Justice Department, in which he weighed in with his thoughts about questions he had about the scope of the Mueller investigation.

“Bob will be allowed to finish his work,” Barr said flatly, pledging as much transparency as possible to release the details of Mueller’s findings.

“The country needs a credible resolution to these issues,” Barr said.

Barr also revealed that he met with President Trump in 2017, when the White House was looking for lawyers to defend the President with regards to the Special Counsel investigation.

“How well do you know Bob Mueller?” Barr recalled being asked, describing the meeting as a short one, to which there was no follow up, until the President moved to select him as the Attorney General, following the departure of Sessions.

Barr describes "brief" meeting with Trump in June 2017. Says Trump asked about Mueller. Barr says he told Trump that "the Barrs and the Muellers are good friends and will be when this is all over." Also said Mueller is a "straight shooter & should be dealt w/as such."

As Democrats pressed Barr about his memo on the Russia probe, Barr said Mueller could only be fired for ‘good cause’ over his conduct of the investigation.

“Frankly it’s unimaginable to me that Bob would ever do anything that gave rise to ‘good cause,'” Barr told Senators.

Asked about a statement by one of the President’s lawyers, Rudy Giuliani, that the White House should have the chance to ‘correct’ any public report by the Special Counsel, Barr frowned on that idea.

“That will not happen,” Barr said.

From exchange with @SenatorLeahy on Russia, Attorney General Nominee William Barr: "I believe the Russians interfered, or attempted to interfere, in the election and I think we have to get to the bottom of it."

“I believe the Russians interfered, or attempted to interfere, in the election and I think we have to get to the bottom of it,” he added.

As Barr was testifying, Mueller’s team filed new papers in a Washington federal court, asking for more time before sentencing Rick Gates, an aide and associate of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort.

In a court filing, the Special Counsel’s office said Gates “continues to cooperate with respect to several ongoing investigations,” as Mueller’s team suggested another update in two months – indicating that the overall Russia probe is certainly not finished.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/barr-mueller-not-involved-in-witch-hunt-over-russia-probe/feed/0kimthorntoncmgCoast Guard misses paychecks as partial shutdown reaches Day 25http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/coast-guard-misses-paychecks-as-partial-shutdown-reaches-day-25/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/coast-guard-misses-paychecks-as-partial-shutdown-reaches-day-25/#respondTue, 15 Jan 2019 09:02:11 -5Tue, 15 Jan 2019 04:05:23 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18536The bitter political dispute over funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall extended its reach on Tuesday, with over 40,000 members of the Coast Guard not being paid as scheduled, joining 800,000 federal workers who missed a paycheck last week, as there were no indications of any break in the impasse, which was spurred by a funding lapse for part of the federal government that started before Christmas.

“We must re-open the government immediately,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), as Democrats – and some Republicans – highlighted the stories of federal workers from back home who are being financially squeezed by [More]]]>

The bitter political dispute over funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall extended its reach on Tuesday, with over 40,000 members of the Coast Guard not being paid as scheduled, joining 800,000 federal workers who missed a paycheck last week, as there were no indications of any break in the impasse, which was spurred by a funding lapse for part of the federal government that started before Christmas.

“We must re-open the government immediately,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), as Democrats – and some Republicans – highlighted the stories of federal workers from back home who are being financially squeezed by this shutdown showdown.

“I have $24 in cash on me and I have $2.40 left in my bank account,” tweeted Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), quoting a federal worker not getting paid because of the shutdown. “If we miss this upcoming paycheck, I will be completely broke.”

“Today at Denver International Airport, an air traffic controller told me how he worked through the holidays, only to receive a paycheck last Friday for 77 cents,” said Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO).

On social media, Democrats in Congress were sending out videos of federal workers who have missed paychecks, trying to add even more of a human element to this political fight.

At my roundtable yesterday, federal workers shared their stories with me about how the shutdown is hurting them and many others across our region.

Sam is a federal employee working at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He has been furloughed during the shutdown and has been forced to search for unemployment and food stamps to stay afloat financially. #ShutdownStoriespic.twitter.com/93bsrWHkHI

Democrats even launched a website to take in shutdown stories from federal workers – trumpshutdownstories.us – which featured a picture of an overflowing trash can with the White House in the background.

While Republicans were making their own arguments about the need for more in the way of border security, the GOP was pumping out many fewer messages of support for the President and Republicans.

“I am furloughed and fully support the shut down,” was the message from a federal worker relayed on Twitter by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), one of the few such GOP statements on Monday. “Build the wall.”

Democrats ramped up their social media offensive as the January 15 pay date arrived for the Coast Guard – which unlike most of the federal government – still issues checks to members twice a month, instead of every two weeks.

Coast Guard members were getting extra attention back home as well in the press, as there were stories of special free food pantries, donated meals, offers to delay tuition payments for schools, and other ways that groups were trying to help Coast Guard members – but like other federal workers, their pay remains in limbo.

The growing number of stories had Republicans urging compromise as well to end the game of shutdown chicken – but there was no evidence of any GOP rebellion in Congress against the President.

I talked to a waitress in Bangor this morning whose husband works for TSA. They literally had to get a loan to pay their mortgage for this month. That's just wrong. I continue to believe that a compromise is possible because this is a problem that we have to solve.

“The reality is that federal workers have bills that need to be paid,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).

There were no hints on Monday of any breakthrough, as President Trump lobbed more barbs and Democrats, and there were no reports of any talks or negotiations to resume the operations of about one-quarter of the federal government.

Democrats meanwhile unveiled two more plans to re-open the federal government; one would fund operations through February 1, the other through the end of February.

But at this point, Senate Republicans continue to refuse to bring any House-passed funding bills up for a vote; in retaliation, Democrats again on Monday blocked action on a bill dealing with foreign policy in the Mideast, arguing the only thing the Senate should be doing is funding the government, and getting federal workers paid.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/15/coast-guard-misses-paychecks-as-partial-shutdown-reaches-day-25/feed/0kimthorntoncmgHouse Democrats launch sweeping probe of prescription drug priceshttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/14/house-democrats-launch-sweeping-probe-of-prescription-drug-prices/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/14/house-democrats-launch-sweeping-probe-of-prescription-drug-prices/#respondMon, 14 Jan 2019 16:01:12 -5Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:01:12 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18535With the first of a series of hearings set for later this month, Democrats on a key House committee on Monday sent letters to a dozen major pharmaceutical companies, demanding documents and information on how those drug giants set their prices, questioning why the cost of big name drugs have gone up at more than four times the rate of inflation over the last 12 years.

“The Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating the actions of drug companies in raising prescription drug prices in the United States, as well as the effects of these actions on federal and state budgets [More]]]>

With the first of a series of hearings set for later this month, Democrats on a key House committee on Monday sent letters to a dozen major pharmaceutical companies, demanding documents and information on how those drug giants set their prices, questioning why the cost of big name drugs have gone up at more than four times the rate of inflation over the last 12 years.

“The Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating the actions of drug companies in raising prescription drug prices in the United States, as well as the effects of these actions on federal and state budgets and on American families,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the head of the House Oversight Committee.

“For years, drug companies have been aggressively increasing prices on existing drugs and setting higher launch prices for new drugs while recording windfall profits,” Cummings wrote.

“The goals of this investigation are to determine why drug companies are increasing prices so dramatically, how drug companies are using the proceeds, and what steps can be taken to reduce prescription drug prices.”

The letters were sent after a group of Democrats unveiled legislation last week aimed to forcing price reductions for prescription drugs, a rare issue where Democrats and President Donald Trump find themselves in some agreement – at least on the basics – of forcing drug companies to lower prices.

Democrats though say that while President Trump has talked about letting Medicare negotiate with major drug companies, the Trump Administration has not followed through on that promise to help consumers deal with rising drug prices.

An initial hearing is scheduled for January 29.

No one should have to choose between paying the bills and refilling their prescriptions. That’s why we’ve introduced this bold, progressive legislation to #LowerDrugPrices for good.https://t.co/mtEyR1GrLh

http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/14/house-democrats-launch-sweeping-probe-of-prescription-drug-prices/feed/0kimthorntoncmgPresident Trump on border wall: “I will never, ever back down”http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/14/president-trump-on-border-wall-i-will-never-ever-back-down/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/14/president-trump-on-border-wall-i-will-never-ever-back-down/#respondMon, 14 Jan 2019 15:01:38 -5Mon, 14 Jan 2019 15:01:38 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18534President Donald Trump used a speech before a convention of farmers in New Orleans on Monday to make an extended defense of his call for funding for a border wall, a dispute which has spurred a partial government shutdown, making clear he will not accept anything less from Congress than full funding for his wall along the border with Mexico.

“We’re going to have a wall, we’re going to have a barrier, we’re going to have something that’s going to be very strong,” the President said to cheers at the 100th gathering of the American Farm Bureau.

President Donald Trump used a speech before a convention of farmers in New Orleans on Monday to make an extended defense of his call for funding for a border wall, a dispute which has spurred a partial government shutdown, making clear he will not accept anything less from Congress than full funding for his wall along the border with Mexico.

“We’re going to have a wall, we’re going to have a barrier, we’re going to have something that’s going to be very strong,” the President said to cheers at the 100th gathering of the American Farm Bureau.

“When it comes to keeping the American people safe, I will never, ever back down,” the President told farmers. “I didn’t need this fight,” as he pointed the finger of blame directly at Democrats.

“The government remains shut down for one reason and for one reason only – the Democrats will not fund border security,” Mr. Trump said.

Some of the biggest applause for the President came as he promised to make it much easier for U.S. farmers to get immigrant laborers into the country, in order to pick crops.

“We’re going to actually make it easier,” the President said, “because you need these people.”

In his speech before the American Farm Bureau, the President spent much of his time focused on immigration, saying little about issues which have created financial troubles for farmers, like retaliatory tariffs levied on exports of U.S. farm exports, which have cost them agricultural markets, especially in China.

As for the partial government shutdown – which includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture – the President glossed over the impact of the shutdown on U.S. farmers:

+ He took credit for the signing of a major farm policy bill late last year – but didn’t mention that the shutdown has delayed implementation of the measure.

+ The President touted billions of dollars in bailout payments for farmers hit by retaliatory tariffs – but didn’t say that the shutdown has halted those payments to farmers.

+ The President touted his support for year round availability of E15 ethanol – but didn’t mention that the shutdown is delaying work to make sure that can happen.

But it didn’t seem to matter to the crowd, including Arizona rancher Jim Chilton, who was called to the podium by the President.

“Mr. President, we need a wall,” Chilton said to a standing ovation.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/14/president-trump-on-border-wall-i-will-never-ever-back-down/feed/0kimthorntoncmgTrump heads to see farmers with shutdown in fourth weekhttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/13/trump-heads-to-see-farmers-with-shutdown-in-fourth-week/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/13/trump-heads-to-see-farmers-with-shutdown-in-fourth-week/#respondSun, 13 Jan 2019 22:49:24 -5Sun, 13 Jan 2019 21:40:59 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18525With no solution in sight to a partial government shutdown which has denied scheduled paychecks to some 800,000 federal workers, and forced hundreds of thousands of those same employees to continue working without pay, President Donald Trump flies to New Orleans on Monday to address an agricultural group which is a very familiar with some of the impacts from the shuttering of certain federal agencies since the weekend before Christmas.

“Even though he’s not directly trying to hurt our farmers, this shutdown is going to hurt our farmers,” said American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall at the 100th American Farm Bureau [More]]]>

With no solution in sight to a partial government shutdown which has denied scheduled paychecks to some 800,000 federal workers, and forced hundreds of thousands of those same employees to continue working without pay, President Donald Trump flies to New Orleans on Monday to address an agricultural group which is a very familiar with some of the impacts from the shuttering of certain federal agencies since the weekend before Christmas.

“Even though he’s not directly trying to hurt our farmers, this shutdown is going to hurt our farmers,” said American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall at the 100th American Farm Bureau convention on Sunday.

Citing closed U.S. Department of Agriculture offices, delays on loans for farm operations, and other problems the shutdown has created for farmers, Duvall said it can’t go on much longer.

“I mean, the clock is ticking, we all know that when Spring gets here, everybody is going to need to be moving,” Duvall said.

“I know we’re shut down now, and you don’t like that, and I don’t like that,” Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) told the Farm Bureau.

“We got to do something about that – but honest to God, I don’t know what we’re going to do,” said Roberts, the retiring Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

USDA booth closed at Farm Bureau convention due to continuing Federal Government shutdown at the same time as labor remains one of the biggest issues for US farmers. pic.twitter.com/urv2Y3ARvc

Other than the federal workers who have missed their paychecks in the dispute over President Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion in money for his campaign pledge to build a wall along the Mexican border – farmers, and those involved in agriculture – may have felt the impact of the government funding impasse more than any group across the United States.

Asked at the Farm Bureau convention where his group stood on the President’s border wall, Duvall hedged.

“As far as Farm Bureau policy, we really don’t say what a secure border looks like,” said Duvall, who led the Georgia Farm Bureau for nine years. “If you’re looking for me to say, we support a wall or don’t support a wall – we support border security.”

The President’s speech to the Farm Bureau convention on Monday comes at a tricky time for agricultural interests in the United States, as farmers big and small have encountered lost markets and other economic troubles because of President Trump’s trade policies – and now, the shutdown.

"I may lose the farm, but I strongly feel we need some border security." Many farmers have stayed loyal to President Trump and his demands for $5.7 billion for a border wall, even as the shutdown threatens their livelihood. https://t.co/t2u0TKbUempic.twitter.com/Nh4VrRopAd

Peppered in every corner of the country, Farm Service Agency offices are shutdown, leaving farmers without familiar contacts and help. Loan applications by farmers are stuck in bureaucratic limbo, with no action possible until the shutdown ends.

Billions of dollars in farm bailout payments – authorized by President Trump after his trade policies resulted in lost export markets for American farmers – are on hold as well during the shutdown.

Disaster assistance in the wake of Hurricane Michael – for hard hit farmers in Florida and Georgia – remains in political limbo in the Congress during this dispute.

Important farm data reports aren’t being issued, which hampers decisions by farmers on what they’re going to plant, and what kind of subsidies will be available for them in 2019.

And the list goes on.

With the USDA Farm Service Agency closed due to the shutdown farmers are unable to get the financial assistance they rely on. https://t.co/cQIble8oKX@fox43

The President spent the weekend in Washington lobbing barbs on Twitter at Democrats, with no hint of any active negotiations to end the shutdown.

“I’m in the White House, waiting,” Mr. Trump tweeted on Sunday morning, as snow hit the nation’s capital. “The Democrats are everywhere but Washington as people await their pay.”

President Trump also again sent confusing signals about what he wants in the talks, saying in another tweet that Democrats had ruled out negotiations over DACA as part of the shutdown negotiations – even though he himself has said repeatedly in recent weeks that DACA should not be included, because the Supreme Court is likely to rule on it soon.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) – a close ally of who in the last few days has urged the President to everything from declare a national emergency to cut a border wall deal that includes DACA – went on ‘Fox News Sunday’ and called for the President to allow the government to re-open, to spur new negotiations.

But – that’s an idea that the President has repeatedly rejected.

As for Democrats, a number from the House spent the weekend in Puerto Rico, which told some conservative commentators all they needed to know.

“Trump now owns the longest shutdown in history,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), as Democrats said repeatedly that Senate Republicans simply need to approve bills passed by Democrats in the House to end the shutdown.

But for now, Republicans are refusing to vote on any funding bills approved by Democrats in the House over the last two weeks – as GOP leaders say nothing will go on the floor until there is an agreement with President Trump.

And as of now – there’s no deal.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/13/trump-heads-to-see-farmers-with-shutdown-in-fourth-week/feed/0kimthorntoncmgBorder wall fight didn’t really start until after GOP lost Househttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/12/border-wall-fight-didnt-really-start-until-after-gop-lost-house/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/12/border-wall-fight-didnt-really-start-until-after-gop-lost-house/#respondSat, 12 Jan 2019 07:31:48 -5Sat, 12 Jan 2019 04:00:31 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18521While President Donald Trump has repeatedly made clear his desire to build hundreds of miles of wall along the Mexican border since early in his campaign for President, the GOP Congress never really came close to approving billions of dollars for the wall, though there were certainly opportunities for Republicans at several points to win as much as $25 billion for the border while the GOP was in charge of Congress in 2017 and 2018 – but those efforts failed as most GOP lawmakers backed away from possible bipartisan immigration compromises.

While President Donald Trump has repeatedly made clear his desire to build hundreds of miles of wall along the Mexican border since early in his campaign for President, the GOP Congress never really came close to approving billions of dollars for the wall, though there were certainly opportunities for Republicans at several points to win as much as $25 billion for the border while the GOP was in charge of Congress in 2017 and 2018 – but those efforts failed as most GOP lawmakers backed away from possible bipartisan immigration compromises.

As Republicans worked on two years of spending bills during the time that the GOP controlled the Congress under President Trump, lawmakers twice approved $1.6 billion for border security – but only for fencing and other defenses – not for the wall which was a central part of the President’s campaign.

Here’s a look at what the President asked for – and what the Congress did.

1. Trump 2017 and 2018 budgets. President Trump’s first budget, unveiled in May 2017, had money specifically designated ‘to construct a physical wall along the southern border,’ as part of a $2.6 billion border security plan, which included extra border patrol and immigration agents. In the President’s second budget plan issued in February of 2018, the Trump Administration again had what the White House labeled “critical investments” in border security to combat illegal immigration, budget plans which included “$1.6 billion for construction of the border wall.” President Trump wanted much more for the wall, but even his budget plans which were sent to Congress didn’t come close to the $5.7 billion he is requesting now, during this partial government shutdown fight.

2. Republicans ignore the wall in two Omnibus spending plans. Just like is happening now in early 2019, the Congress took well into 2017 and 2018 to finish their budget work (which should have done by the previous October). In both of those budgets, Republicans in the Congress approved money for border security – like fencing – but not a wall. For example, in May 2017, the GOP Congress okayed $341 million “to replace approximately 40 miles of existing primary pedestrian and vehicle border fencing along the southwest border.” In the 2018 Omnibus, which was voted on in late March of 2018, the President received the more specific approval of nearly $1.6 billion in fencing and border barriers. You can see the list of projects below. Again – none of that is for a ‘border wall.’

3. Immigration reform efforts run aground in Senate. In February of 2018, the Senate capped off an acrimonious several weeks of debate and negotiation with the President by defeating four different immigration plans. The one offered by GOP Senators with the most money for the border wall – $25 billion – received just 39 votes, the least amount of support of any of the immigration packages voted on by Senators. There was also a bipartisan immigration plan which included $25 billion for border security, paired with a 10-12 year pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrant “Dreamers.” That plan received 54 votes, but short of the 60 needed. Republicans and the President could have secured funding for the President’s wall with this plan, backed by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) – but it was opposed by most GOP Senators because of the DACA provisions. No compromise – no wall.

4. President talks as if he’s already secured wall funding. Throughout all of the battles in the House and Senate over immigration in 2017 and 2018, President Trump repeatedly made comments in public which would lead his supporters to believe that his administration was already building new sections of wall, when in fact, the money approved by Congress had gone to repair earlier walls, and to deploy new fencing – but not any of the wall he had proposed in the 2016 campaign. “Not happy with $1.6 billion, but it does start the wall,” the President said when he signed the Omnibus in March 2018. “Just so you understand, we have $1.6 billion,” the President said in April. “We have $1.6 billion, and we’re starting brand-new sections of walls. But we need to have a wall that’s about 800 miles,” Mr. Trump added. Even on Twitter, while the Congress never gave him any money for new sections of wall along the border, the President made things look different on the wall.

5. Senate looks to repeat the $1.6 billion for 2019. In developing spending bills for 2019, the Senate Appropriations Committee – controlled by the Republican Party – put together a homeland security funding measure which kept the amount of money for border security at $1.6 billion, the same level okayed by the Omnibus funding bill which Congress approved in March of 2018. In the funding bill for border security efforts in 2019, there is no mention of a border wall in the Senate plan, but there is a very specific mention that the $1.6 billion “shall be available for approximately 65 miles of pedestrian fencing” on the southwest border, in the Rio Grande River sector in Texas. This Homeland Security Appropriations bill was never brought to the Senate floor for a vote, either before or after the 2018 elections.

6. House bill advertises wall funding – but gives few details. As the House Appropriations Committee rolled out its version of the Homeland Security funding bill for 2019, the GOP headline was that Republicans were giving the President nearly $5 billion for his wall. President Trump was very happy, as on July 18 he tweeted his thanks to Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS), who was in charge of the homeland security funding measure. But there was one puzzling part about this GOP bill – if you actually read the text of the legislative language and/or the report language for the bill, there is no actual mention of a wall. Instead, in debate, fencing was referred to more than anything else. As you can see here, there’s no mention of a wall in the text of the bill put forward by House Republicans in the summer of 2018.

7. No wall vote until after the November elections. Even as the President was still pushing for money for the border wall, Republicans in the House and Senate were ready to wrap up work for the year without addressing the wall issue. The Senate had approved a stop gap funding bill to February 8, 2019 – and many Senators headed home on December 19 and 20, thinking their work was over. But then, the House cobbled together a bill which combined $5.7 billion for border security with almost $8 billion in disaster relief for hurricane damage in Florida and Georgia, along with help for wildfire victims in California. But even as the House approved that measure – as with previous House bills on the border – there was no direct mention of a border wall, just an overall amount of money that Republicans wanted to spend on border security.

8. The House GOP plan leads to a shutdown standoff. GOP leaders had shied away from forcing a vote on money for the border wall in the House throughout 2017 and 2018, convinced the votes were not there among Republicans. But in the final days before Christmas, GOP leaders – at the urging of the President – rolled the dice, and won a majority. But the bill never received a vote in the Senate before the start of the new Congress, because it certainly was not going to get the 60 votes it needed to get past a certain filibuster by Democrats. Once Democrats took control of the House on January 3 for the 116th Congress, it was back to square one. The partial government shutdown began on December 22 – 800,000 federal workers missed their first paycheck on January 11 – and this fight seems to have no end in sight.

While the President says he wants $5.7 billion for the border wall now that Congress is divided between the two parties, he wasn’t able to get any money at all for the wall when Republicans were in charge in 2017 and 2018.

And that makes it much more difficult to see how he gets the money in 2019, when the Congress is divided between Democrats and Republicans.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/12/border-wall-fight-didnt-really-start-until-after-gop-lost-house/feed/0kimthorntoncmgHouse sends bill to Trump guaranteeing back pay for federal workershttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/house-sends-bill-to-trump-guaranteeing-back-pay-for-federal-workers-2/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/house-sends-bill-to-trump-guaranteeing-back-pay-for-federal-workers-2/#respondFri, 11 Jan 2019 13:15:15 -5Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:56:40 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18518Even as the White House and Congressional Democrats were locked in continuing standoff about funding for border security, the House on Friday overwhelmingly voted to send a bill to President Donald Trump which would insure that federal workers are paid all of the money they would normally receive in salary – whenever a partial government shutdown finally ends.

On the twenty-first day of this shutdown dispute over money for the President’s border wall, the House voted 411-7 in favor of the retroactive pay bill, which had been approved a day earlier by the Senate on a voice vote.

Even as the White House and Congressional Democrats were locked in continuing standoff about funding for border security, the House on Friday overwhelmingly voted to send a bill to President Donald Trump which would insure that federal workers are paid all of the money they would normally receive in salary – whenever a partial government shutdown finally ends.

On the twenty-first day of this shutdown dispute over money for the President’s border wall, the House voted 411-7 in favor of the retroactive pay bill, which had been approved a day earlier by the Senate on a voice vote.

The action also came as hundreds of thousands of federal workers felt the sting of missing a paycheck which would normally arrive on this Friday.

“This is a critical step towards undoing some of the damage caused by the government shutdown,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), whose district is home to thousands of federal workers just outside of Washington, D.C.

But as Beyer and others noted – none of the 800,000 workers impacted by the partial shutdown can get paid until the Congress and the President agree on a funding measure.

BREAKING: House votes to provide back pay to federal employees after shutdown ends; bill goes to Trump for his signature

In a response on Twitter, Rep. Amash (R-MI) said he objected because the plan codifies the approval of back pay for federal workers idled under a shutdown, which is what has happened under previous federal government shutdown scenarios.

This is not a bill to okay federal worker back pay for just *this* shutdown; it changes permanent law so that in any future shutdown, workers will be paid but told not to come to work. This is bad policy. It makes shutdowns more likely to happen and more likely to last longer. https://t.co/kFc3XTJdEV

Earlier on Friday, the House had approved a fourth spending bill this week to re-open certain federal agencies and departments, which had been shuttered by the spending dispute – the latest bill would fund the National Park Service and the EPA.

“Why do you have to shut down government?” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she chided the President in a House floor speech.

10 Republicans broke ranks on the National Park Service/EPA funding bill, again demonstrating that most Republicans are not abandoning the President in his quest to squeeze money out of Democrats for his border wall.

The President made that case on Twitter earlier in the day.

Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border. I just got back and it is a far worse situation than almost anyone would understand, an invasion! I have been there numerous times – The Democrats, Cryin’ Chuck and Nancy don’t know how bad and dangerous it is for our ENTIRE COUNTRY….

…The Steel Barrier, or Wall, should have been built by previous administrations long ago. They never got it done – I will. Without it, our Country cannot be safe. Criminals, Gangs, Human Traffickers, Drugs & so much other big trouble can easily pour in. It can be stopped cold!

As lawmakers went home for the weekend, it was obvious that no deal was near.

“While the President throws a tantrum, people are suffering,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

“We’ve wasted an entire week,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), as he ridiculed Democrats for forcing votes on spending bills which Senate Republicans have refused to vote on.

There was also no GOP unity on whether the President should emergency powers to move budget money from other accounts in the military, or under the Army Corps of Engineers, in order to fund the border wall project, as the idea of floated Thursday of taking the money from hurricane and wildfire disaster relief seemed to fall flat with Republicans on Capitol Hill.

GOP all over the map on shutdown strategy: Freedom Caucus Chair Mark Meadows says no one seriously discussing using disaster aid for wall. Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakus very opposed to that idea. Top R on Judiciary Doug Collins calls using disaster money a real viable option.

On Saturday, this shutdown will set a record for the longest ever, surpassing one that took place over 21 days in December of 1995 and January of 1996.

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http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/house-sends-bill-to-trump-guaranteeing-back-pay-for-federal-workers-2/feed/0kimthorntoncmgHouse sends bill to Trump guaranteeing back pay for federal workershttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/house-sends-bill-to-trump-guaranteeing-back-pay-for-federal-workers/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/house-sends-bill-to-trump-guaranteeing-back-pay-for-federal-workers/#respondFri, 11 Jan 2019 12:56:40 -5Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:56:40 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18517Even as the White House and Congressional Democrats were locked in continuing standoff about funding for border security, the House on Friday overwhelmingly voted to send a bill to President Donald Trump which would insure that federal workers are paid all of the money they would normally receive in salary – whenever a partial government shutdown finally ends.

On the twenty-first day of this shutdown dispute over money for the President’s border wall, the House voted 411-7 in favor of the retroactive pay bill, which had been approved a day earlier by the Senate on a voice vote.

Even as the White House and Congressional Democrats were locked in continuing standoff about funding for border security, the House on Friday overwhelmingly voted to send a bill to President Donald Trump which would insure that federal workers are paid all of the money they would normally receive in salary – whenever a partial government shutdown finally ends.

On the twenty-first day of this shutdown dispute over money for the President’s border wall, the House voted 411-7 in favor of the retroactive pay bill, which had been approved a day earlier by the Senate on a voice vote.

The action also came as hundreds of thousands of federal workers felt the sting of missing a paycheck which would normally arrive on this Friday.

“This is a critical step towards undoing some of the damage caused by the government shutdown,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), whose district is home to thousands of federal workers just outside of Washington, D.C.

But as Beyer and others noted – none of the 800,000 workers impacted by the partial shutdown can get paid until the Congress and the President agree on a funding measure.

BREAKING: House votes to provide back pay to federal employees after shutdown ends; bill goes to Trump for his signature

Earlier, the House had approved a fourth spending bill this week to re-open certain federal agencies and departments, which had been shuttered by the spending dispute – the latest bill would fund the National Park Service and the EPA.

“Why do you have to shut down government?” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she chided the President in a House floor speech.

10 Republicans broke ranks on the National Park Service/EPA funding bill, again demonstrating that most Republicans are not abandoning the President in his quest to squeeze money out of Democrats for his border wall.

The President made that case on Twitter earlier in the day.

Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border. I just got back and it is a far worse situation than almost anyone would understand, an invasion! I have been there numerous times – The Democrats, Cryin’ Chuck and Nancy don’t know how bad and dangerous it is for our ENTIRE COUNTRY….

…The Steel Barrier, or Wall, should have been built by previous administrations long ago. They never got it done – I will. Without it, our Country cannot be safe. Criminals, Gangs, Human Traffickers, Drugs & so much other big trouble can easily pour in. It can be stopped cold!

As lawmakers went home for the weekend, it was obvious that no deal was near.

“While the President throws a tantrum, people are suffering,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

“We’ve wasted an entire week,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), as he ridiculed Democrats for forcing votes on spending bills which Senate Republicans have refused to vote on.

On Saturday, this shutdown will set a record for the longest ever, surpassing one that took place over 21 days in December of 1995 and January of 1996.

]]>

http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/house-sends-bill-to-trump-guaranteeing-back-pay-for-federal-workers/feed/0kimthorntoncmgFederal workers miss paycheck as partial shutdown hits 21 dayshttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/federal-workers-miss-paycheck-as-partial-shutdown-hits-21-days/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/federal-workers-miss-paycheck-as-partial-shutdown-hits-21-days/#respondFri, 11 Jan 2019 04:15:08 -5Fri, 11 Jan 2019 04:00:49 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18515With no agreement between Congress and the President in the ongoing dispute over funding for a border wall, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will not receive their scheduled paychecks on Friday, even though over 400,000 have had to continue working for the government, as the partial government shutdown reached 21 days.

“Let’s stop this shutdown now,” NASA engineer Steve Ching said to cheers at a rally near the White House, as federal workers rallied in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

“We’re all wondering, how long will our families able to hold out,” Ching said, as workers from a variety of shuttered federal [More]]]>

With no agreement between Congress and the President in the ongoing dispute over funding for a border wall, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will not receive their scheduled paychecks on Friday, even though over 400,000 have had to continue working for the government, as the partial government shutdown reached 21 days.

“Let’s stop this shutdown now,” NASA engineer Steve Ching said to cheers at a rally near the White House, as federal workers rallied in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

“We’re all wondering, how long will our families able to hold out,” Ching said, as workers from a variety of shuttered federal agencies chanted, “Back to work!” and aimed their displeasure at President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

Hundreds of federal workers, contractors and supporters spilling into the street in front of the AFL-CIO building, just down the road from the White House. They’re chanting, “we want our pay!” #ShutdownProtest#DCpic.twitter.com/7v4Qt1NPey

While lawmakers in both parties agreed that Congress would – as has happened in previous shutdowns – approve back pay for federal workers, it still wasn’t clear how long the funding impasse would stretch.

“If we’re out for a long period, I wouldn’t be surprised to start seeing feds leaving government,” one worker told me.

]]>http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/11/federal-workers-miss-paycheck-as-partial-shutdown-hits-21-days/feed/0kimthorntoncmgHouse Democrats set February 7 hearing with Michael Cohenhttp://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/10/house-democrats-set-february-7-hearing-with-michael-cohen/
http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/2019/01/10/house-democrats-set-february-7-hearing-with-michael-cohen/#respondThu, 10 Jan 2019 15:57:52 -5Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:57:52 -5http://jamiedupree.blog.whio.com/?p=18514A week after taking control of the U.S. House for the 116th Congress, Democrats have set their first hearing with a key figure in investigations of President Donald Trump, as a House panel will hear from Mr. Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who plead guilty last year to violating campaign finance laws in 2016 by making hush money payments to two women at the direction of the President.

“I thank Michael Cohen for agreeing to testify before the Oversight Committee voluntarily,” Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) said in a written statement, as he noted the Special Counsel investigation which has [More]]]>

A week after taking control of the U.S. House for the 116th Congress, Democrats have set their first hearing with a key figure in investigations of President Donald Trump, as a House panel will hear from Mr. Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who plead guilty last year to violating campaign finance laws in 2016 by making hush money payments to two women at the direction of the President.

“I thank Michael Cohen for agreeing to testify before the Oversight Committee voluntarily,” Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) said in a written statement, as he noted the Special Counsel investigation which has involved testimony from Cohen.

“I want to make clear that we have no interest in inappropriately interfering with any ongoing criminal investigations, and to that end, we are in the process of consulting with Special Counsel Mueller’s office,” Cummings added.

In his own statement, Cohen said he was ready to speak out in public.

“I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired,” said Cohen, who is scheduled to start a three year prison term in March.

Michael Cohen: "I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired.”

Other than a handful of short of interviews, this would be the first time that Cohen has spoken out in public about his work for the President.

When he first came under legal scrutiny this year, after an FBI raid in April, Cohen said he would ‘take a bullet’ for the President – ultimately, Cohen agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in New York and the Special Counsel investigation.

In his plea bargain agreement with the Special Counsel, Cohen admitted that he agreed to travel to Russia in connection with a “Trump Tower Moscow” project, as Cohen detailed contacts with a top aide of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Along with his testimony to the House Oversight Committee, Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee still want to talk to Cohen as well.

.@RepAdamSchiff, Intel chair, says it's good Cohen is speaking to Overisight publicly but "It will be necessary, however, for Mr. Cohen to answer questions pertaining to the Russia investigation, and we hope to schedule a closed session before our committee in the near future.”

The news about testimony from Cohen on Capitol Hill came as a federal judge ordered Special Counsel Robert Mueller to turn over – by Monday – evidence of lies allegedly told by former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort.

Earlier this week, lawyers for Manafort challenged assertions made by the Special Counsel’s Office that Manafort had lied to investigators – saying that the former Trump campaign official merely needed his memory refreshed about certain events in 2016.

Those included revelations – made public only because of a redaction mistake made by Manafort’s lawyers – that Manafort had given campaign polling data to a Russian associate with ties to Russian intelligence.

Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Mueller’s team to produce evidence about five different matters, ordering the government to submit evidence by Monday on the “factual and evidentiary basis of the five alleged breaches.”